Lewis argued that the Hatch Act, which prevents federal employees from running for a partisan office, refers only to candidates of a political party, not independents. Additionally, he stated that he hoped the controversy over his candidacy might get him more votes. He said, "I’m running as ‘Mr. Lewis goes to Washington,’ just like Mr. Smith went to Washington, and this shows that the people in power don’t want ordinary citizens running for office. I figure people will identify with that and vote for me."

Lewis argued that the Hatch Act, which prevents federal employees from running for a partisan office, refers only to candidates of a political party, not independents. Additionally, he stated that he hoped the controversy over his candidacy might get him more votes. He said, "I’m running as ‘Mr. Lewis goes to Washington,’ just like Mr. Smith went to Washington, and this shows that the people in power don’t want ordinary citizens running for office. I figure people will identify with that and vote for me."

−

===Independence USA super PAC ads===

+

===Independence USA===

Gun control came to the forefront in the race with a tv ad targeting [[Debbie Halvorson]] and her prior voting record with respect to guns. The ad came from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-30/news/ct-met-2nd-district-bloomberg-gun-ad-20130130_1_tv-ad-federal-ethics-probes-assault-weapons ''Chicago Tribune'', "Halvorson gun views hit in TV ad from Bloomberg super PAC," January 30, 2013]</ref> Some in the field were upset by this external influence, including [[Clifford Eagleton]] (D). In a press release submitted to Ballotpedia he said, "As a citizen and as a candidate I am outraged and alarmed after viewing the 'super PAC' attack ad last night against one of my opponents. This arrogant, brutish well-polished propaganda is meant to confuse and persuade our citizens with misinformation, thereby corrupting the election.” He went on to speak out against the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, stating that it needs to be overturned or legislation needs to be passed "to protect the integrity of elections and democracy in America."<ref>[https://docs.google.com/a/ballotpedia.org/file/d/1YxP2dEwpUKr54xwznPC9GrlvnDaPQh0GB69LjII2jHowUC5L5zVFuUFeaItq/edit Clifford Eagleton press release received via email by Ballotpedia staff on February 4, 2013]</ref> David Axelrod took to Twitter to comment on Halvorson's lead in the polls and pro-gun stance, saying that it was "ironic, given carnage in 2d CD."<ref>[http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/02/nra-ally-leads-dem-primary-battle-for-jesse-jr-seat/ ''Legal Insurrection'', "'NRA ally' leads Dem primary battle for Jesse Jr seat, February 5, 2013]</ref>

Gun control came to the forefront in the race with a tv ad targeting [[Debbie Halvorson]] and her prior voting record with respect to guns. The ad came from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-30/news/ct-met-2nd-district-bloomberg-gun-ad-20130130_1_tv-ad-federal-ethics-probes-assault-weapons ''Chicago Tribune'', "Halvorson gun views hit in TV ad from Bloomberg super PAC," January 30, 2013]</ref> Some in the field were upset by this external influence, including [[Clifford Eagleton]] (D). In a press release submitted to Ballotpedia he said, "As a citizen and as a candidate I am outraged and alarmed after viewing the 'super PAC' attack ad last night against one of my opponents. This arrogant, brutish well-polished propaganda is meant to confuse and persuade our citizens with misinformation, thereby corrupting the election.” He went on to speak out against the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, stating that it needs to be overturned or legislation needs to be passed "to protect the integrity of elections and democracy in America."<ref>[https://docs.google.com/a/ballotpedia.org/file/d/1YxP2dEwpUKr54xwznPC9GrlvnDaPQh0GB69LjII2jHowUC5L5zVFuUFeaItq/edit Clifford Eagleton press release received via email by Ballotpedia staff on February 4, 2013]</ref> David Axelrod took to Twitter to comment on Halvorson's lead in the polls and pro-gun stance, saying that it was "ironic, given carnage in 2d CD."<ref>[http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/02/nra-ally-leads-dem-primary-battle-for-jesse-jr-seat/ ''Legal Insurrection'', "'NRA ally' leads Dem primary battle for Jesse Jr seat, February 5, 2013]</ref>

Race background

Jackson resigned on November 21, 2012, citing medical issues. He had been away from work since June and was seeking treatment for bipolar disorder and depression at Mayo Clinic. He also noted a federal investigation into his campaign spending.[14] Despite his prolonged absence, Jackson easily won re-election in the 2012 election.

On December 15, 2012, Cook County Democratic officials failed to give any candidate a majority of the votes in their slating session. Thus, no candidate received the backing of the Democratic party in the primary, including no campaign donations and volunteers. State Senator Donne Trotter appeared to be a frontrunner, but his prior arrest for bringing a gun into O'Hare International Airport may have been the reason for his failure to receive the support of the Democratic Party.[15]

Upon her withdrawal from the primary race, Hutchinson - who had previously been endorsed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle - declared her support for former Democratic opponent Robin Kelly.[17] Following Hutchinson's

Rush said, "Robin Kelly is a woman of integrity and conviction, and President Obama, Congressman Davis and I need her as our partner in ending gun violence. Davis said "[Kelly is the right person] if we are going to stop the NRA in their tracks, and make our communities safe again."[18] Schakowsky said, "One of the reasons is the gun issue. She has the view that we need to do some sensible violence prevention legislation."[19] Quigley released a statement that said, "Robin has proven herself to be a dedicated public servant and is the right person to represent Chicago and the Southland."[20]

Turnout was expected to be low in the primaries. In the 2009 special election primary to replace Rahm Emanual in the 5th Congressional District only saw a 17 percent turnout. The local ABC affiliate is reporting that candidates estimate that they could win the primary with as few as 12,000 to 15,000 votes. This is based on a turn out of 50,000. There are 250,000 registered voters in the district.[21]

Election controversy

Independent candidate Marcus Lewis risked losing his job as a result of his election bid. Lewis is a postal service employee, a federal employee, and as such was prevented from running for a partisan office. Lewis could have ended his campaign to put a stop to any legal action being taken against him, but he refused.[22]

Lewis argued that the Hatch Act, which prevents federal employees from running for a partisan office, refers only to candidates of a political party, not independents. Additionally, he stated that he hoped the controversy over his candidacy might get him more votes. He said, "I’m running as ‘Mr. Lewis goes to Washington,’ just like Mr. Smith went to Washington, and this shows that the people in power don’t want ordinary citizens running for office. I figure people will identify with that and vote for me."

Independence USA

Gun control came to the forefront in the race with a tv ad targeting Debbie Halvorson and her prior voting record with respect to guns. The ad came from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA.[23] Some in the field were upset by this external influence, including Clifford Eagleton (D). In a press release submitted to Ballotpedia he said, "As a citizen and as a candidate I am outraged and alarmed after viewing the 'super PAC' attack ad last night against one of my opponents. This arrogant, brutish well-polished propaganda is meant to confuse and persuade our citizens with misinformation, thereby corrupting the election.” He went on to speak out against the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, stating that it needs to be overturned or legislation needs to be passed "to protect the integrity of elections and democracy in America."[24] David Axelrod took to Twitter to comment on Halvorson's lead in the polls and pro-gun stance, saying that it was "ironic, given carnage in 2d CD."[25]

As of February 13, 2013, the super PAC Independence USA spent $1.3 million in the special election, which is twice the amount spent by the other top candidates. The super PAC was started and funded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The entirety of this money was used to target Debbie Halvorson (D) for her "A" rating with the National Rifle Association.[26]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org